Peru:

Peru is the birthplace of many ancient empires. It also has the most variety in fauna and flora than any other country in the world. The current population is about 30 million people. Lima (Capital), has 9 million inhabitants. It has a costa (coast), sierra (highlands) and the selva (rainforest).

According to the "Inside Guide South America" it is the ultimate destination for culture seekers, adventurers and eco-tourists. You can admire the monumental ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, near Cusco. Or the Nazca lines, which can only be viewed from the sky.

Peru is literally packed with archeological wonders from the Inca and Pre-Inca period, as well as, from the colonial period. Tourism in Peru makes up the nation's third largest industry, behind fishing and mining, with more than 1 million people visiting Machu Picchu each year.

Economically, Peru is an emerging country, it had its Gross Domestic Product increased by about 6% over the last 5 years, which is the highest number in the Americas and one of the highest in the world.  However, a bit less than 30% of its people live under the poverty line.  Regrettably, in Andean areas this is about 65%. For more tourist information on Peru please check out

Cusco:

Cusco, Cuzco, or Qosqo according to local official spelling, is the capital of the ancient Inca Empire. The official flag of the Province of Cusco resembles the gay flag. The only difference is that it has 7 colors instead of six. Cusco is constructed on an altitude of 11,000 feet or 3,400 meters. There are almost 450,000 individuals living in Cusco.

It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. It has become a major tourist destination, hosting nearly 2 million visitors a year. You will find many remains of the Incas here. For example Sacsayhuaman, an Inca fortress just outside the city, a must visit. Its construction actually initiated during the Killke era 1,100 after Christ, before the Incas set foot in Cusco in the 13th century. Many of the colonial buildings are built upon the indestructible Inca foundations. In Cusco you can undertake a diversity of activities, like visiting the Manu Wildlife Reserve, the Sacred Valley, Kayaking the Urubamba River or walking the famous Inca Trail which leads up to Machu Picchu, the lost Inka city and one of the modern 7 world wonders. Cusco is a major tourist destination and receives almost 1.5 million visitors a year. It is designated as the Historical Capital of Peru by the Constitution of Peru. The photo beneath offers you a 360° view of the main square. You can find more information on Cusco on http://www.peru.travel/where-to-go/cusco.aspx

Cai Cay:

Besides the projects in Cusco, the School initiated its own voluntary projects in which you can participate. The first project the school was involved in, from the very start in 2004, takes place in Cai Cay, a small village 1 hour from Cusco, in between mountains, beside the Urubamba River.

The purpose is to broaden the kid's vision of the world, giving them confidence and to help them build a future of their own.

Volunteers here work with about 25 school kids after school. The children’s age range between 5 and 12 years old. Volunteers help them with their homework, give them lessons in English, or another language, teach them to cultivate ground in a sustainable way or play soccer and volleyball. Volunteers can use the materials that are present, such as coloring books, notebooks, reading material etc. Volunteers work here in the afternoons for a period of one (1) week. In the mornings, it is possible to work at the local schools; Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary schools.

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